Set in a charming tea shop on Charleston’s historic Church Street, the Tea Shop Mysteries by Laura Childs follow Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, as she brews tea, solves murders, and navigates Southern high society. With over 30 books and counting since 2001, it’s one of the longest-running cozy series still actively publishing.
Tea Shop Mysteries Books in Order
- Death by Darjeeling (2001)
- Gunpowder Green (2002)
- Shades of Earl Grey (2003)
- The English Breakfast Murder (2003)
- The Jasmine Moon Murder (2004)
- Chamomile Mourning (2005)
- Blood Orange Brewing (2006)
- Dragonwell Dead (2007)
- The Silver Needle Murder (2008)
- Oolong Dead (2009)
- The Teaberry Strangler (2010)
- Scones & Bones (2011)
- Agony of the Leaves (2012)
- Sweet Tea Revenge (2013)
- Steeped in Evil (2014)
- Ming Tea Murder (2015)
- Devonshire Scream (2016)
- Pekoe Most Poison (2017)
- Plum Tea Crazy (2018)
- Broken Bone China (2019)
- Lavender Blue Murder (2020)
- Haunted Hibiscus (2021)
- Twisted Tea Christmas (2021)
- A Dark and Stormy Tea (2022)
- Lemon Curd Killer (2023)
- Honey Drop Dead (2023)
- Murder in the Tea Leaves (2024)
- Peach Tea Smash (2024)
- High Tea and Misdemeanors (2025)
- Death at a Firefly Tea (2026)
A 31st book has been announced for 2027 but is not yet titled or confirmed as of this writing — we’ll update this list once details are official.
Do You Need to Read Them in Order?
Each mystery wraps up on its own, so you can start anywhere. That said, Theodosia’s relationships with her tea sommelier Drayton, baker Haley, and her recurring circle of Charleston friends deepen over the series, so reading in order rewards long-time fans.
Where Should I Start?
Death by Darjeeling (2001) is the natural starting point — it introduces the Indigo Tea Shop and Theodosia’s world from scratch. If you’d rather try a Halloween-season entry first, Haunted Hibiscus (book 22) is a fan favorite for its haunted-mansion setting.
FAQ
Is there a real Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston?
No — it’s fictional, but Laura Childs sets the series against real Charleston landmarks and Southern tea culture, which is part of the appeal for readers who love the setting.
Is the series still being written?
Yes — new books have continued through 2026, with another announced for 2027.
Looking for more series set in shops? Check out our cozy mysteries set in bookshops and libraries and Coffeehouse Mysteries in order guides.